Effect of Crop Geometry and Phosphorus Levels on Growth, Yield and Economics of Kabuli Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

Abstract:

A field experiment was conducted during the Rabi season of 2025–26 at the Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Prof. Rajendra Singh (Rajju Bhaiya) University, Prayagraj, to study the effect of crop geometry and phosphorus levels on the growth, yield and economics of Kabuli chickpea (variety PKV-2). The experiment was laid out in a Factorial Randomized Block Design with nine treatment combinations replicated thrice, comprising three crop geometries (30×15, 40×15 and 50×15 cm) and three phosphorus levels (40, 50 and 60 kg ha⁻¹). The soil was sandy loam in texture, neutral in reaction (pH 7.0), low in organic carbon and medium in available phosphorus. Results revealed that the wider spacing of 50×15 cm recorded the highest plant dry weight, number of branches, pods per plant, seeds per pod, seed yield (1.96 t ha⁻¹) and straw yield, whereas phosphorus applied at 60 kg ha⁻¹ produced the maximum values of most yield attributes and the highest seed yield (1.79 t ha⁻¹). Among the interactions, the treatment 50×15 cm with phosphorus at 60 kg ha⁻¹ (T9) recorded the maximum seed yield (2.14 t ha⁻¹) and straw yield (4.68 t ha⁻¹). However, the highest net return (₹ 86,815 ha⁻¹) and benefit–cost ratio (2.54) were obtained under 50×15 cm with phosphorus at 50 kg ha⁻¹ (T8), making it the most economically remunerative treatment. It is concluded that sowing Kabuli chickpea at 50×15 cm spacing with 50–60 kg P₂O₅ ha⁻¹ is desirable for higher productivity and profitability under the agro-climatic conditions of Prayagraj.